Beam Me Up Lord There's No
Beam Me Up Lord, There’s No Intelligent Life Forms Down Here!
Daniel 2:44
44 And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. 45 Inasmuch as you saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold—the great God has made known to the king what will come to pass after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure.”
I want to suggest to you today that as pastors there are two examples of discipleship that we can pattern our ministries after right here in the book of Daniel. There is a right way and guess what a wrong way. Which one we choose is up to us. I pray to the Lord that we will all stick with the right way. . Despite the outlook we might face, see or believe is reality God is still in charge and His purposes will accomplished with us as individuals and as a church . . . my topic “Beam Me Up Lord, There’s No Intelligent Life Forms Down Here! Let us pray . . .
As a boy there was one show in particular that held special interest for me. It was called “Star Trek” not the one that is on now, the old classic.
James Kirk the captain of the starship enterprise, Spock the Vulcan, 2nd in command, (McCoy) Bones the physician, Scottie the ship’s attendant and a host of others.
What especially got me going was the beginning of the show. You can see the spaceship in the heavens and you would hear the voice of the captain of the starship enterprise. Saying "Space, the final frontier. These are the voyages of the Starship Enterprise. Its five-year mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before."
Sometimes in their explorations they would beam down on a particular terrain to find an uninhabited planet. After a few moments of searching with their phasers the captain would take out his communication phaser and pronounce “Scotty beam us up there’s no intelligent life forms down here.”
Whatever the situation, the alien aggressors, plagues, seductive evil mistresses or maybe flight crew members on his own ship whose minds became maladjusted when overtaken by extraterrestrial forces and would battle him, whatever odds that were pitted against him whether on land, sea, space or on his own ship he would always find himself on the winning side.
But as in any action drama series the star of the show or in this case the captain always seemed in the end to get the girl. And He always seemed to know, in each situation along with his crew, just exactly what to do.
Enter in the Seventh-day Adventist minister.
You know growing up in New York City as a boy I had my heroes. Sure there were the regular fictional heroes, Superman, Batman, Spiderman, The Falcon . . . But there were others.
One of my heroes as a young boy, not having the call myself as yet, but one of my real life heroes was the Seventh-day Adventist minister.
I was excited and ecstatic; I was inspired and thrilled watching that man on the altar on Sabbath morning in holy awe delivering the message with power that God gave him.
Or in the midst of battle during what they call an evangelistic crusade seeing him and his crew being used to wrest, by the grace of God, souls from the kingdom of Satan to the Kingdom of safety and light.
As a young child I was thrilled to know that I was in the church of destiny the true church that believed and taught all of the word of God. The actual church mentioned in Rev 12:17. I was a member of it.
One thing that puzzled me as a child, it burned me.
It was the first time in my entire life that I had ever seen a grown man cry! It was a Seventh-day Adventist minister on a Seventh-day Adventist pulpit in a Seventh-day Adventists church!
I remember as a family when we just came to the United States from England we worshipped at a church in Brooklyn.
They had a meeting and members would get up and point and yell each taking his/her turn until the time came where the minister cried right in the meeting.
In my then youthful state of mind I said to myself if these people are Christians why do they act this way?
Those questions where not answered in my young mind, but the impression was made that the lot of the preacher was not an easy road.
With much anticipation and eagerness I set out by the help of God to follow my dream of ministry. But even as a young minister I never really settled that battle within my brain the question of trouble in the church.
The discrepancy of lives inside the church bugged me among members, church leaders and even ministers. Even before I ever had my first board meeting I began to see.
Finally I finished college and I received my BA. I, who looked up to the SDA minister as one of my heroes, finally became one.
Super hero me steps on into the scene ready to do my thing ready to preach Jesus, ready to preach the three angels message to the world but guess what there wasn’t much fan fare when I arrived.
The elder with years of experience whose demeanor hits you like a balled up fist churned up between your nostrils and lips whose attitude says “you’re just a young buck, welcome back to school!”
Board meetings and business meetings where every idea you have, every process, every inspiration is met with an objection from the church manual by an antagonistic member.
And you’re sitting there discouraged, frustrated and angry fighting the temptation to go upside his head with that very same manual that he keeps quoting from.
Church Folk who seemingly pattern themselves after people in the Bible. Trouble is some act more like the demoniacs than disciples. Sisters who seek you through the throng like the woman with the issue of blood sought Jesus (hopefully not the other way around). Multiple individuals all who receive a Word from the Lord but all are different words to direct the church and also you as pastor.
Members who question your authority, knowledge, competency and spirituality. The church seem lifeless and dry. You can literally skate down the isle. Not interest in outreach or in-reach as matter of fact the only thing they reach for is each others necks and yours!
And you say to yourself, Hey WAIT A MINUTE! WAIT ONE MINUTE! I DIDN’T READ THIS STUFF IN THE SCRIPT!
WHERE’S THE TRUE CHURCH? WHERE’S THE TRUE CHRISTIAN? WHERE’S THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT? WHERE’S JESUS?
And in all the chaos you may take out the phaser of prayer and call the Saviour up and say “Beam me up Lord (get me outta here!) There’s no intelligent life forms down here”
This is not Christianity, this is not Adventism, this is confusion.
Dr. Marshall Shelley
Describes in his book “Well-Intentioned Dragons” different kinds of individuals some merely nuisances others who pose serious threats to church life.
The Bird dog – Four legged bird dogs point where the hunter should shoot. The two legged bird dog loves to be the pastor’s eyes, ears and nose, sniffing out items for attention. “If I were you, I’d give Mrs Greenlee a call. She has some marital problems you need to confront.” Or, “We need more activities for the youth.” Or why doesn’t the church do something about . . .” Most pastors respond to Bird Dogs by saying, “The Lord hasn’t said anything to me about this, but it sounds like a good idea. Obviously you’re concerned, and that’s usually a sign the Lord is telling you to do something about it.” Those genuinely concerned will take up the challenge. Genuine Bird Dogs, however, will grumble, “That’s your job, Pastor. I’m just calling your attention to something important.”[1]
The Wet Blanket –If you’ve heard the phrase “It’s no use trying,” you’ve probably spotted the Wet Blanket. These people have a negative disposition that’s contagious. They spread gloom, erase excitement, and bog down the ministry. Their motto: “Nothing ventured, nothing lost.”
The Entrepreneur. Just the opposite of the Wet Blanket, the Entreprenuer is enthusiastic. He’s the first to greet visitors at the church and invite them to his home. Unfortnately, in addition to being enthusiastic about the church, he’s equally eager to sell them vitamins, bee pollen, or car wax.”
Captain Bluster
This is the person who comes from the union steward school of diplomacy and speaks with an exclamation point instead of a period.
He (or she) is right, and everyone else is wrong, and he doesn’t mind saying in the middle of a church business meeting, “I don’t like what you said.”
“All our salaries are out of line; pastors are paid too much these days!” Said one such dragon in a business meeting with the pastor’s entire family present.
The Fickle Financier
This person uses money to register approval or disapproval of church decisions. Sometimes he protest silently by merely withholding offerings.
The Busybody
Who enjoys telling others how to do their jobs
The sniper,
who avoids face-to-face conflict but picks off pastors with pot shots in private conversation, such as the cryptic “Be sure and pray for our pastor. He has some problems, you know.”
The Bookkeeper
Who keeps written record of everything the pastor does that “isn’t in the spirit of Christ”
The Merchant of muck
Who breeds dissatisfaction by attracting others who know he’s more than willing to listen to, elaborate on, things that are wrong in the church.
The Legalist
Whose list of absolutes stretches from the kind of car a pastor can drive to the number of verses in a hymn that must be sung.
Any of these can inhabit a given congregation.
And you think to yourself man the brethren in the conference underestimated my gifts, abilities and talents. . .
I thought they were sending me to the temple church in Jerusalem or even the mixed congregation on top of Mt. Gerizim would have been better but no they sent me to this little broken down shack of a church in Shinar were the members are out of their minds.
But what do you do when the church is in confusion? When Israel is in Babylon?
The life of Daniel holds the key.
But first I want to get back to that preacher in Brooklyn!
Those moments when members act like fire breathing dragons in our churches it can cause use to question “is this the true church of God?”
Now some preachers NOT ALL will admit to some adversity within their scope of ministry. But for any preacher to say there are no problems in my church never was and there never will be.
This means that there is among us some naivety, some ignorance, some lack of knowledge, some compromising, or just basic downright lying.
Dr Shelley says in every church “beginning a crisis, or in the middle of a crisis or just coming out of a crisis.”
I learned from a little lady . . .
"I saw that Satan bade his angels lay their snares especially for those who were looking for Christ's second appearing and keeping all the commandments of God. Satan told his angels that the churches were asleep. He would increase his power and lying wonders, and he could hold them. "But," he said, "the sect of Sabbathkeepers we hate; they are continually working against us, and taking from us our subjects, to keep the hated law of God. Go, make the possessors of lands and money drunk with cares. If you can make them place their affections upon these things, we shall have them yet. . . . Be very vigilant then. Cause disturbance and confusion if possible. Destroy love for one another. Discourage and dishearten their ministers; for we hate them. Present every plausible excuse to those who have means, lest they hand it out. Control the money matters if you can, and drive their ministers to want and distress. This will weaken their courage and zeal. Battle every inch of ground. Make covetousness and love of earthly treasures the ruling traits of their character. AS LONG AS THESE TRAITS RULE, SALVATION AND GRACE STAND BACK. Crowd every attraction around them , and they will be surely ours. And not only are we sure of them, but their hateful influence will not be exercised to lead others to heaven. WHEN ANY SHALL ATTEMPT TO GIVE, PUT WITHIN THEM A GRUDGING DISPOSITION, THAT IT MAY BE SPARINGLY."
I SAW THAT SATAN CARRIES OUT HIS PLANS WELL." EW pp.266, 267 caps,
It’s the devil! It’s that old serpent, the adversary of souls!
I believe some where the Bible (in Revelation 12:9) talked about a controversy in heaven that came down here on earth. Satan is the reason behind all this but we have got to deal with it!
How do ministers say there’s no problem? Wherever God pitches His tent Satan pitches his too!
But what do you do when the church is in confusion? When Israel is in Babylon?
I’d like to share with 5 principles for successful ministry that I find in the book of Daniel
#1 Know that God has called you to Preach!
There are some who claim that Daniel is not a prophet. Hey he never addressed a congregation nor presented a message!
In Matthew 24:15 Jesus calls him “Daniel the Prophet”
What is a prophet? A prophet is not one who predicts the future but one who speaks on behalf of God.
If Jesus called him! That settles it!
If God has called you to preach! He’s called you to preach! That settles it!
I don’t care what anybody else says! If He’s called you He’ll provide the power and the means to be successful in ministry!
#2 Live what you preach
Some say but Daniel never addressed a congregation nor presented a message!
Oh but he did! He lived the right life! His character was his pulpit and how he lived was his sermon!
He lived the life! He walked with Jesus!
That’s why Edgar Guest said
“I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day;
I’d rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.
The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear,
Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear;
And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.
I soon can learn to do it if you’ll let me see it done;
I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.
And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true,
But I’d rather get my lessons by observing what you do;
For I might misunderstand you and the high advise you give,
But there’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.
When I see a deed of kindness, I am eager to be kind.
When a weaker brother stumbles and a strong man stays behind
Just to see if he can help him, then the wish grows strong in me
To become as big and thoughtful as I know that friend to be.
And all travelers can witness that the best of guides today
Is not the one who tells them, but the one who shows the way.
One good man teaches many, men believe what they behold;
One deed of kindness noticed is worth forty that are told.
Who stands with men of honor learns to hold his honor dear,
For right living speaks a language which to every one is clear.
Though an able speaker charms me with his eloquence, I say,
I’d rather see a sermon than to hear one, any day.”
Daniel walked with Jesus, He spoke for God.
Somebody said he never preached? Just look at chapter 2 of Daniel. He preached as though his life depended on it--and it did! Imagine if he had changed just a bit. What would have happened to Daniel? We need to preach Jesus! The sinner man may not know the word entirely but he knows when he or she has heard the Word of God, church member knows when the Word of God has been given. Let us preach the Word so that those having heard may follow Jesus if not then their blood is not on our shoulders.
Paul says . . .Woe is me if I preach not the gospel . . .
When you live in confusion you have to walk with Jesus! Live the life as well as preach
#3. Spend some time with Jesus in prayer
Daniel 1:16-19
The prophet has said no prayer, no power, little prayer, little power, much prayer much power. I remember the illustration one minister give about a gasoline truck with no oil in the tank! We must be fortified in order to share.
When Daniel and his three companions prayer to the Lord for the revelation of the King’s dream the Bible indicates they pray and then went to bed. Daniel revealed the answer in a night vision. He went to sleep knowing that God would answer.
Sometimes we don’t have all the answers but if we pray and leave matters in God’s care we don’t have to worry.
Songwriter says
“I don’t worry, I don’t fret my God’s never failed me yet! No matter what the case may be my God’s gonna fix it for me!
#4. Recognize the gifts you have are not your own but given to you by God!
Daniel 2:46
Daniel gave God the glory for the dream. He did not take credit for himself.
The other ministry example is from Nebuchadnezzar. The Bible says
[2]
Dan 2:37
You, O king, are a king of kings. For the God of heaven has given you a kingdom, power, strength, and glory; Daniel 2:37 NKJV
God gave the King his Kingdom!
The king spoke, saying, “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?” Daniel 4:30 NKJV
Is this not
- Great 3 million sanctuary that I have built?
- 200 souls that I have baptized?
- Community Service center that I have organized?
- 1 ½ million dollar tithe paying church that I have constructed?
You can have the brilliance of a Walter Rea or Biblical acumen of a Desmond Ford, the preacher prowess of an Alonzo T. Jones but without Jesus we are nothing can do nothing!
Your gifts and abilities that God has given we may attribute as our own! We can get so beside ourselves that we become a god to ourselves and to others!
Our word or opinion becomes to us like Second coming of Jesus!
We begin to assume a ministry of Lord and Master and King! What I say goes!
Remember what Daniel said to Belshazzar!
Daniel 5:18-21
O king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father a kingdom and majesty, glory and honor. And because of the majesty that He gave him, all peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. Whomever he wished, he executed; whomever he wished, he kept alive; whomever he wished, he set up; and whomever he wished, he put down. But when his heart was lifted up, and his spirit was hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him. Then he was driven from the sons of men, his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys. They fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till he knew that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men, and appoints over it whomever He chooses. Daniel 5:18-21 NKJV
Whether it takes 7 days or 7 weeks or 7 years if he has to make a wild donkey (the King James says Wild Asses) out of me to save me so be it.
#5. Remember whatever happens in your ministry God is still in Control.
Chapter six of Daniel portrays the faithfulness of the prophet. He was so used to praying that it became a part of Him. Like breathing it was natural, even in the midst of a decree. Daniel himself went from receiving gifts to being in the lion’s den. Daniel knew His God and left the matter in His hands. History records the end result.
Remember God can use any avenue to bring me through I’ve got to listen and obey. Like Paul sometimes God will allow the thorn in the side to remain with us to strengthen us and at times to save us!
He can use an ass for His own purposes, He used one to speak to Baalim!
Charles Spurgeon once said
“Get a friend to tell you your faults, or better still, welcome an enemy who will watch you keenly and sting you savagely. What a blessing such an irritating critic will be to a wise man, what an intolerable nuisance to a fool!”
The songwriter said “Must Jesus bear the cross alone and all the world go free?”
Paul instructed Timothy and we can take note as well . . .
2 Tim 4:5
But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:5 NKJV
Remember He’s Still God when
- The brethren give you a hard time
- When your wife, mother, child or loved one dies even when you’ve fasted and prayed.
- When they yank you from a Church for no good reason.
The main problem is these things can even get to the very elect like it did Elijah who stood before 400 prophets of Baal and ran from a woman.
Just like Elijah we can become unnerved and exclaim because of all the pressures “Beam me up! Kill me, why don’t you finish me!”
1 Kings 19:13-14
Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
NKJV
1 Kings 19:14
14And he said, "I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life."
NKJV
I alone baptized hundreds, have started community services programs, organized worship services and they seek my life . . . The Lord says no I’ve got 7000 who have not bowed the knee to Baal. I got other ministers and church leaders going through what you’re going through and by my grace they are making it! I’ve got church members who are living the life. People who are letting their light shine! He’s got ways to humble us . . .,
I’ve learned just because the devil messes with the church doesn’t mean it’s not the remnant!
Thank God Jesus said “Upon this Rock I will build my church and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it! He didn’t say hell would happen He said it wouldn’t prevail!
We must love our people, love changes things.
Would to God I could be more like Daniel who prayed for his people when they were in the midst of Babylon or like Moses?
God told him I’m going to wipe out these murmuring ones—and get you a new church one with 200 member choir, people who will treat you right, and you’ll never worry about evangelism.
Moses said no Lord, he interceded for them, prayed for them!
Be faithful where you are, where God has put you to lead!
Jesus is the captain of the starship enterprise, we’re just ship hands,
And if we are faithful He won’t beam us up but He’s coming to get us!
What do you do when the church is in the midst of confusion? When the church is in Babylon? Who do you blame? Preacher Daniel what do you do?
Well Con, you keep on serving Him, keep on praying, keep on holding, keep on trusting, keep on preaching and one day He’ll bring you through!
It will all be worth it all!
John says The crooked ways will be straighthen
Paul says we’ll see things clearly!
All of our questions answered and heartaches healed. We’ll find out that truly that “tis so sweet to trust in Jesus”
HE THAT SHALL COME WILL COME AND WILL NOT TARRY!
DANIEL EXCLAIMED “THE DREAM IS CERTAIN THE INTERPRETATION THEREOF SURE.” JESUS IS COMING SOON! BE FAITHFUL!
Amidst the hardship and the trials, the temptation, the pain, the joy, It will be worth it all. Work for the night is coming!
If we stand up for Jesus then Daniel says He’ll stand up for us in the time of trouble! In our time of trouble and in the great time of trouble.
If we are faithful we’ll see Him in peace.
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[1]Shelley, M. (1985). Vol. 1: Well-intentioned dragons : Ministering to problem people in the church. The Leadership library. Carol Stream, Ill.; Waco, Tex.: Christianity Today; Word Books.
[2]The New King James Version. 1996, c1982 (Mal 3:6). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.